module specification

This module introduces students to the critical and reflective viewing of film & television using established and appropriate methods of analysis. Students are introduced to and develop skills in media analysis. They also develop an understanding of the contexts in which media forms, styles and exhibition practices have developed.

This module aims to:

• Provide students with an understanding of visual language and composition as forms of structure and communication.
• introduce a basic understanding of film & television production, distribution and exhibition contexts, as both forms of communication and global industries
• introduce students to a range of film & television production “modes” and movements and an understanding of the contexts in which film & television forms and styles have developed.
• introduce basic reflective and critical viewing of film & television texts through close reading and shot by shot analysis.
• link reflective and critical analysis to media practices and consequently to encourage the use of such analysis as central to the effective development and exhibition of new film & television products.

This module will necessarily reflect material of currency, contemporary thought and practice. Topics normally covered may include:

Vewing films critically and reflecting upon personal viewing
Close reading of media and shot by shot analysis
Basic approaches to analysis of media: including genre, authorship, stars, audiences, Hollywood studio system and global media.
Film movements and modes.
Critical examination of sources for essay research
Applying analysis to own practice

The assignment brief will be available from the beginning of the module allowing students to plan their work in advance and when possible, live projects will be incorporated into assessments. Students will choose ex-amples of film and television for study with support from their tutor. The final assessment will allow students to develop their earlier research.

The module is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and screenings with tutorial guidance availa-ble throughout the module. Visiting speakers, external visits and live projects will be available through the module where appropriate. Students will be able to reflect on their own practice in their final portfolio and consider exhibition issues in relation to their professional media practice.

Students will engage in self-directed study to enable them to complete the required assignments. Module booklets and further material, including lecture notes and research links will be available to students on WebLearn.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Reflect upon their own film & television viewing and that of other audiences.
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of film & television analysis, close reading and shot by shot analysis, the relationships between texts, industry structures and wider social and cultural contexts.
3. Conduct basic research in this subject, to articulate ideas and knowledge in oral and written work both in a team and individually, constructing and defending an argument with reference to key de-bates, supporting arguments with relevant evidence in this subject, producing written work with correct academic citation and creating a basic bibliography.
4. Demonstrate a basic application of such ideas and aptitudes in the context of their own practice.

The assessment load complies with the Faculty’s assessment tariff.
Assessment will be based on 100% coursework through two assessed components. The coursework consists of a short diagnostic essay and a longer project.
- Essay (40% of overall mark) 
- Project (60% of overall mark)
All written elements should demonstrate appropriate academic referencing including bibliographies in the required format.
All written elements should demonstrate appropriate academic referencing including bibliographies in the required format.

Work will be assessed against the learning outcomes in relation to the following criteria:

• •  Appropriate use of research methods
• •  Quality of analysis and interpretation
• •  Subject knowledge and relevance
• •  Quality of communication and presentation
• •  Appropriate use of problem solving, testing and experimentation
• •  Management of own learning and personal professional development.

This bibliography is indicative. Additional sources and weekly reading will be detailed in the module booklet:
Bignall, J., 2007. An Introduction to Television Studies, London: Routledge
Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K., 2010.  Film Art: An Introduction, New York: McGraw-Hill
Cook, P., ed. 2008.  The Cinema Book, London, BFI
Corrigan, P. & White, T., 2009. The Film Experience: An Introduction, Bedford: St. Martin’s
Cousins, M., 2011. The Story of Film, London: Pavilion Books
Wood, M. P., 2007. Contemporary European Cinema, London: Hodder Arnold
http://www.obs.coe.int http://www.obs.coe.int/online_publication/reports/focus2009/pdf
http://www.mediasalles.it
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media .
http://www.bfi.org.uk